Belts and Bags

I am very concerned about Assembly Bill 27, which would make it mandatory to wear seat belts and later on air bags.

I believe very strongly in the right of self-determination and am opposed to any laws that woulds take away the right of freedom of choice. If Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) wants to drive around in his sports car with his seat belt fastened, that is his right, but I don’t believe the rest of the people in California should have to do that unless they prefer to do so.

I have been driving in the Los Angeles area since 1929 and have never worn a seat belt or been involved in any accident where anyone was injured. Most of my driving consists of short trips around town to the market, bank etc., and I don’t feel that a person should have to be forced to climb in and out of a seat belt every time he gets in or out of his car, or be subject to a fine if he is caught by some aggressive policeman whose duty is to enforce the law.

In this country where we have always cherished our rights and freedom, we find that they are being eroded by those who would dictate to us what to do and would thus take away the individual’s right to make his own decisions. I am strongly opposed to this bill and have talked to many of my friends who feel the same way about it. If this bill passes, it will not only take away the right of freedom of choicebut will also be costly to the people of our state.

ROBERT E. GARSTANG

Downey